Dexter appears ready to resign as NDP leader

NDP leader Darrell Dexter waves to the crowd gathered at the NDP headquarters at the Lord Nelson Hotel on Oct. 8. Dexter’s time as NDP leader could end Saturday. (RYAN TAPLIN / Staff)

Former premier Darrell Dexter’s 12-year run as leader of the province’s New Democratic Party will soon be at an end.

He’s expected to step down as leader at a meeting of the party executive Saturday in Halifax. Dexter is scheduled to talk to the media shortly after the meeting begins, but said little about the session Friday.

“I am going to save all of my announcements for tomorrow,” he said in a short phone interview.

Dexter’s resignation has been expected in the wake of last month’s election loss. The governing NDP was reduced to seven seats from 31, and Dexter lost a close race in Cole Harbour-Portland Valley to Liberal Tony Ince.

Party president David Wallbridge said Friday that he couldn’t say anything specific about the leadership situation.

“I’d prefer not to comment because you may have answers tomorrow, if you know what I mean,” he said.

Dexter, 56, has been the party leader since 2001. He worked as a lawyer before becoming an MLA in 1998.

Halifax Needham MLA Maureen MacDonald was named the NDP’s leader in the House last month, while Cape Breton Centre MLA Frank Corbett was named House leader. Other caucus positions, such as caucus chairperson and party whip, have been on hold.